The Best Soundside Fishing Spots

Posted On Wednesday, September 10, 2014

We are always amazed at our guests' expressions when they discover fishing on one of our breathtaking sounds while on Outer Banks vacations. Most people think that surf fishing and ocean charter trips are "all that" and they are a thrilling experience. However, finding a perfect spot on one of our sounds takes fishing to a whole new level. Sound fishing is ideal when you want to spend some quiet time away from the large group with which you came on vacation. Once you find "your spot," we think you will probably do your best to sneak away every day. Here are a few of the best sound side fishing spots:

Melvin Daniel's Little Bridge

Melvin Daniel's Little Bridge is located on the Manteo-Nags Head Causeway and sits on a little strip of land near Whalebone Junction. It is a perfect place to spend some time alone or bring the family (if you want to). Locals and visitors enjoy fishing here either off a boat or on the bridge itself. The best part is that if you do bring the family, there is a nice little gazebo along with restrooms and picnic tables. Kids love to go crabbing here so bring along a good sturdy stick, some string and chicken legs so they can crab the old way. For alone time, we suggest you rent a kayak and fish from there. Kayak fishing is quickly becoming a favorite past time here and Melvin Daniel's Little Bridge is an ideal spot for it.

Washington Baum Bridge

Outer Banks vacations are not complete without an afternoon of fishing at the Washington Baum Bridge. For those who are unfamiliar with it, this is the large bridge that connects Roanoke Island to the OBX. Just below it on the Roanoke Island side (just across from Pirate's Cove) is a large public dock ideal for fishing. The great about this spot is that you will always see people hanging out on the benches around the dock casting their lines out and telling stories of life on the OBX over the years. Boaters can drop their boat in the water there as well since there is a two-slip boat ramp plus tons of parking for vehicles with trailers. This spot offers a nice spot to fish where no one can find you – it is too obvious.

Mann's Harbor Sound Pier

This is such a nice spot to sit and relax. The Mann's Harbor Sound Pier sits at the west end of the Umsted Bridge that goes over Croatan Sound from the mainland over to the northern end of Roanoke Island close to the Lost Colony. This quiet spot features a boat ramp as well as plenty of parking and is perfect for shore or pier fishing. The pier juts out into the water just far enough to enjoy the quiet while sitting in a shaded gazebo casting your line. And don't forget the stick, string and chicken leg if you want to go crabbing from here, too. For those who love fishing on the water, it is an excellent spot to drop kayak in the water at this spot and fish around the bridge.

One of the Many Sounds

One of the best ways to enjoy sound fishing is to hop in a sport fishing boat or even a kayak and head out into one of the sounds that line the west side of the Outer Banks. It is easy to spend a whole day out on the water fishing for whatever seems to biting. Depending on the weather or simply the wind direction, sound fishing can be peaceful and relaxing or thrilling and exhilarating. Additionally, it all depends on what you want to catch.

We always have guests tell us what a fabulous day they had fishing on one of the sounds and just never realized how great it was. Once you are out there, you will too!